Built in the year 1835, one of the popular tourists attractions in the town of Sardhana is the palace of Begum Farzanna alias Joaana Sambru, wife of Mercenary army owner Walter Reinhardt Sombre of Austrian decent. It is said the Begum Sambru had spent the last years of her life here. She was a jagir holder of Jharsa-Badshahpur pargana till her death in 1836.
He came to India to make money, then India was a rich nation. After his stints with the French and eat India companies he formed a mercenary army and became a turn coat - could fight for any side for a fee or rewards. As a combatant military man he was an accomplice on many successful war expeditions. The Indian rulers rewarded him well to his heart's content to such an extent he became a sort of mini ruler of a kingdom with capital at Sardhana (13 km from Meerut city), now in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Having acquired financial stability, while working with the Maharajah of Bharatpur, he ran into a poor dancing girl Fazanna and married her; she was just 14 and he above 40. A few years later she got converted to Christianity. and her name was Joaana Sombru. After Walter's death, Begum Sambru (she was barely 25 or 26 year old) as, she was commonly known localluy, became popular among the Europeans and she continued the legacy of her husband. The mogul ruler recognized her as the leader of the mercenary army inherited by her and she was of great help to the Moguls.
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The Archbishop of Agra evinced keen interest in the historical palace and later bought it. It now houses an educational institution known as St. Charles’ Inter College catering to the needs of the local people.
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Begum Sambru palace, verandah , Sardhana, UP studiodharma.in
Above image: Bagum Sambru palace, Sardhana,UP. Fluted columns with simple entablature. Tall ceiling building was constructed using lime-sand mortar using old techniques. simple decoration all around the entrance doors to the rooms/halls....... |
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Begum Sambru palace, Sardhana, UP studiodharma.in
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This two-floor massive structure was built in European style with Corinthian columns, windows, etc. Because of begum's close contact with so many rich and powerful European families of that area, she had developed a particular taste for European architecture. The court yard with a garden inside the palace is dedicated to Begum Sambru. Inside the complex of this palace is an exquisite garden which is dedicated to the Begum. There is also a sunken bath that was exclusively used by her. It is said there is a tunnel near by barricaded by an imposing iron gate connecting this place and Delhi. Photo credit:
studiodharma.in
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